Avid Bioservices Inc (CDMO)

[Fire Fox]

FTM-- Thanks for this clarity on difference between Bavi's upstream MOA and PD-1/ PD-L1 downstream MOA.

I think the Company has adopted the "checkpoint" terminology because that is the buzz word everyone is using these days when discussing immnotherapies. In fact, however, as your post makes clear, a car-driving metaphor would work better.

IMO, it would be clearer to say that the MOA / "checkpoint" of downstream immunotherapies like PD-1/ PD-L1 functions by taking the foot off the brakes while the MOA / checkpoint of Bavi functions by putting the foot on the accelerator.

The downstream MOAs of PD-1 and CTLA-4 remove blocks that are holding killer T-Cells in check.

The upstream MOA of Bavi stimulates a fundamental change in the tumor microenvironment that in turn activates killer T-Cells but also turns on a second tumor killing mechanism called ADCC. See far right of the the third slide at: http://www.peregrineinc.com/technology/bavituximab-oncology/mechanism-of-action.html

One MOA lifts the brakes on killer T-Cells. The other MOA (Bavi) hits the immune-response accelerator.

LIFTING THE FOOT OFF THE BRAKES AND HITTING THE GAS AT THE SAME TIME MAKES FOR GREAT SYNERGIES !!!

... and Roche, BMY and Merck all know this. :) :)